La Cima public improvement districts renew debate over Edwards Aquifer

La Cima — a 2,400acre, master-planned community at the intersection of Wonder World Drive and RR 12 — was on the Commissioners’ docket last week.

At its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 30, the Hays County Commissioners Court discussed and approved the creation of two public improvement districts (“La Cima North and La Cima South Districts”) for approximately 1,005 acres of land. The move was passed by a 4-1 vote to the affirmative, despite community concerns regarding the districts’ possible effects on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.

More than 50 visitors had submitted their written comments on the proposal, and several more stepped up to the podium, imploring commissioners to delay their vote.

“It is hard to get people to come to the meetings; everyone here knows that,” one speaker said. “If you have this many people here on a Tuesday at nine in the morning, this is something people care about.”

Critics of the proposal included Virginia Parker of the San Marcos River Foundation, representatives of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and several Country Estates residents.

Frost Bank Vice President Robert Wynn and Lazy Oaks Ranch GP, LLC Manager Bryan Lee filed two separate petitions back in April, requesting Hays County approval for the improvements.

Improvements include parks and open space; construction of ancillary structures, including trails, pavilions, community facilities and swimming pools; acquisition, construction, and improvement of water, wastewater, and drainage facilities; and streets, roadways, rights-of-way and related facilities.

The total cost of La Cima North District (684.476 acres) and La Cima South District (320.64 acres) improvements is estimated at $100 million. Hays County will only be responsible for ongoing maintenance and not financing the improvements, according to both petitions.

In other business, commissioners discussed making modifications to Exhibit A of the collective bargaining agreement between Hays County and Hays County Law Enforcement Association.

The collective bargaining agreement was signed back in 2020, according to the agenda packet. Both parties agreed to update the payment plan at the midterm point of Fiscal Years 2020–2024.

Commissioners also deliberated over an appointment recommendation at their regular Tuesday meeting.

Hays County Juvenile Transitional Coordinator Wayne Thompson was recommended for Hays County Representative of the Board of Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas, according to the agenda packet.

Commissioners received the recommendation from Community Action, Inc. Executive Director Carole Belver.

Commissioners court meetings take place at the Hays County Historic Courthouse, located at 111 E. San Antonio St. To view the full meeting agenda, visit hayscountytx. com/commissionerscourt.